The Best I've Ever Heard
Jan 08 '02
The Bottom Line Here they are, without further adieu. The best rap albums I've ever had the pleasure to hear.
It's tough to put together a list of the ten best rap albums because of the breadth of the genre. You've got albums that are unbelievable lyrically but fall off with terrible production, and you've got others with tight beats but bad rhymes. But anyway, here's the best hip hop albums I've ever heard and the ten I would want with me if I was ever sent to a desert island:
10) Only Built for Cuban Linx, Raekwon-The chef is at his best on this album. Cuts like Incarcerated Scarfaces, Verbal Intercourse (Nas is off the hook in this joint), and Wu-Gambinos will keep you bumping from start to finish. RZA's production is also flawless on this album. Raekwon is one of the Wu's best talents, and nowhere is this fact more obvious than on this outstanding record. Throw it in your car, lay back, and play it from start to finish.
9) ATLiens, Outkast-Andre and Big Boi form one of the best rap duos of all time. Seriously, when I first heard this album, I was blown away. It's like you're transported to a different place when you hear it. This album is the culmination of the all knowledge, spirituality, and skills that Outkast possesses.
8) Strictly Business, EPMD-If you don't have this album, you don't know what you're missing. This is unquestionably the best album ever released by the talented duo of PEE MD and E double E. The two mesh so seamlessly on this joint, you almost wonder what happened to them on their subsequent releases.
7) Resurrection, Common-Alot of people slept on this album when it was released because of the other 2 classic albums released in '94 (to be talked about later). But seriously, if you don't have it, go out and get it because you'll be treated to a lyrical barrage the likes of which haven't been seen before or after. This is the best lyrical album ever, period, end of discussion. Check out the flow on Sum s**t I wrote and you'll see what I mean. It also contains one of the best concept songs ever in Used to love h.e.r.
6) Ready to Die, The Notorious B.I.G.-How can you have a list of the best rap albums ever and not include Biggie. I hear the normal complaint raised by people all the time, "it's too commercial." No way, if you're gonna bring that to the table, then go back and listen to Suicidal thoughts and then tell me commercial. It's a banger from start to finish. When I first heard Juicy I had it on repeat for like 2 days. This is the second of the three classic '94 rap releases.
5) 36 Chambers, Wu Tang-You know it, rap's supergroup cannot not be on my list. The urgency of this album is undeniable. It's so raw and real it's amazing. RZA dropped a classic with a production style that was totally revolutionary. And each emcee is on point whenever he steps to the mic. Iron Flag is nasty, but the original is the best.
4) The Chronic, Dre-You know who the greatest producer of all time is right? Primo? nope. RZA? nope. It's Dre of course. This CD is full of classics, the beats are absolutely immaculate, and the lyrics (aided by snoop and kurupt among others) are also dope. You can play this cd from start to finish and not press the skip button once.
3) Step in the Arena, Gang Starr-Dope beats, dope lyrics. The two most important things that a rap album needs to have. This album is Gang Starr's best, and that's saying alot because each release has they've dropped has been great. Primo is on point with this album, and Guru's flow is off the hook. He's got this monotone delivery that is totally unique. I love Gang Sarr, maybe the best combo of emcee and DJ ever, except maybe for the next group on the list.
2) Paid in full, Rakim and Eric B-The man, plain and simple. The beats are tight, no doubt, but the lyrics are absolutely incredible. Rakim's flow and lyrical genius were untouchable in his day. It's frustrating because I want some new cuts by him. He was the original lyricist, better than any who came before him. This is his best album and a rap classic.
1) Illmatic, Nas-The final of the three classic '94 albums I was talking about. Although it is short, just an intro and 9 songs, the lyrical genius is unquestionable. The reason why its rated higher than Common and Biggie's albums is because the production is so flawless. Nas' words and rhymes are so fresh that this album will never get old. Featuring production primarily by DJ Premier and The large Professor, the cuts blend together to make a classic listening experience. This album was something that I couldn't describe, it was too good, the emotions expressed were so poignant and meaningful, Nas was at his best on this joint. But if you haven't heard Stillmatic yet, go out and get. I ain't sayin it's this good, but it's nasty. Better than anything Jay-Z has ever put out Period.
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